Gliding with the new Sun Mountain ClubGlider3 travel bag
Are you about to head off on a dream golf vacation? You may be an experienced traveler and, understand what to pack. But to be a smart golf traveler, how your golf clubs will be transported is a must. After all, the goal is having them arrive at your destination and return home in the same condition as when you left.
As a long-time innovator producing golf gear to ensure every journey is exceptional, Sun Mountain Sports has not missed a beat after launching the new ClubGlider3 travel bag.
Travel smart and protect your dream golf vacation with the innovative Sun Mountain ClubGlider 3.
Built on the longstanding success of the ClubGlider line, the ClubGlider3 is designed for airports, parking lots, baggage claims and the realities of modern golf travel. Combining Sun Mountain’s patented retractable kickstand system with precision glide wheels, the bag delivers smooth, balanced movement from departure to arrival while reducing the strain of transporting fully loaded clubs.
The patented retractable kickstand delivers effortless, balanced movement throughout your travel journey.
Made from weather- and abrasion-resistant polyester ripstop for rugged durability, the ClubGlider3, weighing 12.8 lbs., introduces new and enhanced features focused on protection, durability and travel convenience, such as:
• Thermoform-molded casing and velour-lined interior shield and protect clubs
• Industrial-grade two-way zippers and heavy-duty clips keep gear secure
• Integrated TSA lock and internal AirTag pocket offer total protection and security
• External and internal pockets maximize storage and organization (four total)
Industrial-grade zippers, heavy-duty clips, and an integrated TSA lock keep your valuable golf gear fully secure.
“Golfers invest significant time and money into these trips, and protecting their equipment should not be an afterthought,” said Grant Lordan, senior director of marketing and brand strategy for Sun Mountain Sports. “With ClubGlider3, we focused on creating a more protective, secure and durable travel bag while maintaining the ease of use for navigating airports and travel destinations.”
Inside the Jewel of the Dominican Republic’s Luxury Coast.
Have you ever been green with envy how an artist can magically transform a blank canvas in to an instant masterpiece? For decades, golfing legend Jack Nicklaus executed strokes of genius on fairways and greens but as his focus shifted to drafting blueprints outlining his vision for 18 holes, the results produced some of the most sought-after venues (400-plus around the world) to tee up a golf ball.
Such is the case with Nicklaus’ achievement at Punta Espada when it opened in 2006, his second course design (first was Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay) in the Dominican Republic. Situated on prime shoreline acreage butting up against Caribbean’s turquoise waters, Nicklaus fashioned superb use of the setting by shaping eight holes where land meets the sea. Now, as Punta Espada celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Nicklaus touch will again be on display when the neighboring Las Iguanas Golf Course opens late 2026.
Ariel view of Punta Espada Dominican Republic
Both courses are located within the confines of Cap Cana, a sprawling 30,000-acre exclusive master-planned residential development and luxury destination that is double the size of Manhattan.
“At this time, approximately 35-40% of the property has been developed with hotels (there are nine and at least two more due to open within the next couple years), private housing, and condos, says Alexis Santana, Managing Director at Punta Espada. “Currently, there are roughly 5,000 people living in Cap Cana full time and depending on the season, flocks of snowbirds visit from the Northeast and Canada.”
Though not even halfway developed, there is no shortage of all the necessary infrastructure at Cap Cana, including power plant and water treatment facilities and, in addition to golf, a wealth of activities with eco-adventure and water parks, plus one of the Caribbean’s largest marinas serving as a gateway to some world’s best fishing. Once passing through the gate, according to Santana, “there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”
Especially, if they’re to experience golf.
Just one of many ocean views at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic
I’d heard plenty about Punta Espada prior my visit – dramatic ocean holes, immaculate conditioning, one of the best in the Caribbean, if not the world – but none of that quite prepares you for the first glimpse of the coastline weaving in and out of the layout. The sea isn’t just a backdrop here. It’s a core element of the game.
Punta Espada – One of the best in the Caribbean, if not the world
Standing on the first tee, there was a breeze just strong enough forcing you to second-guess your club. That would become a theme as every hole seemed to beg the question: Are you sure about that shot? Eventually, I caught on to the notion that the best approach to playing the course is listen to your caddy.
A breeze just strong enough forcing you to second-guess your club
The front nine of the 7,366-yard course eases you in, but not in a forgiving way – more like a conversation where the course is sizing you up. Fairways are generous until they’re not. Greens look receptive until you realize how subtly they repel anything less than a committed shot.
Holes along the ocean offer breathtaking views
As for the holes along the ocean, there’s one standout where the fairway runs parallel to water so clear it acts as a major distraction before and during your swing. I stood mesmerized longer than I should have, not because I was deciding on a club, but because I couldn’t quite believe a golf hole could look like that and still demand precision. Unfair? Maybe. Thrilling to play? No question.
The back nine is where the course shows more teeth. Longer carries. Tighter approaches and greens that seem to hover near the ocean’s edge as if they might slip away if you’re not careful. Of note, the par-three, 13th demands a shot from an elevated tee to the ocean stretching endlessly behind the green with wind swirling from somewhere you couldn’t quite pin down.
Las Iguanas GC will differ a bit from its sister course, somewhat more challenging than Punta Espada
With holes 10-18 currently open for play, the nearby Las Iguanas GC will differ a bit from its sister course in that it offers more movement on the fairways along with elevated compact greens. When totally complete, the overall length will be shorter but somewhat more challenging than Punta Espada. Either way, both Nicklaus adventures at Cap Cana can have the tendency to suck the handicap out of your game but it will be in the most enjoyable way possible.
Five-star St. Regis Cap Cana Resort
To accompany Nicklaus’ masterful efforts, overlooking the Caribbean and just steps away from the first tee at Punta Espada is the five-star St. Regis Cap Cana Resort that raises the luxury bar for any golf trip to the D.R. Opened in 2025, the elegant architecture is complimented with extensive local artwork woven throughout the property, along with 200 guest rooms, swim-out suites and swanky residences, dining options, full-service spa, multiple pools, and direct beach access.
St. Regis Cap Cana Resort (Lobby)St. Regis Cap Cana Resort – Palm Suite with in-out pool
Serving as a showcase for Dominican culture, the St. Regis prides itself on tradition, exemplified by guests gathering every evening for the signature Champagne sabering ceremony, a ritual dating back to the days of Napoleon Bonaparte, celebrating the art of living well.
There are places built to impress and there are places built to tell the story of their destination. The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort was created to do both.
GolfN, the App That Pays You to Play, Reports Growth, New Waysto Earn New Golf Gear and Possibly Win a Trip to Bandon Dunes – Rewards app community surpasses $250K in redemptions and 100K monthly active users.
MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA — GolfN, the innovative golf rewards platform and digital caddie app that pays golfers to play, reports steady growth in user engagement and rewards redemption, passing the 100,000 mark for monthly active users across its digital ecosystem, and $250,000 in member rewards redeemed. Additionally, since the app launched in 2025, 50,000 rounds have been tracked by members engaging with the in-round scoring, GPS, and social features.
The golf community’s first true rewards app, GolfN allows members to redeem points they accrue by playing rounds with the GolfN mobile app engaged – with or without its dynamic GPS yardage and digital caddie mode. And golfers are becoming hooked on the gratification of earning those points with eyes on using them to claim coveted merchandise from some of golf’s respected brands, including L.A.B. Golf, Miura, Cobra Golf, Bettinardi Golf, Srixon, and Cleveland Golf.
“One member simply explained that for every three rounds he plays, he earns the equivalent of a brand-new Cobra wedge, so why wouldn’t he open the app and simply hit ‘Start Round’ and ‘Tee Off’ every time he plays?” Co-founder and CEO Jared Phillips said. “Credit cards rewards programs don’t necessarily pay you back like this, in golf items that you really want. We have seen eleven straight weeks of setting new records for both new users and rounds played – over the winter – which tells me we’re building something that people genuinely want to engage with and take deeper.”
GOLFERS REALLY WIN ON THE GOLFN APP
Another loyalty-driving cornerstone of the GolfN platform is its thrilling rotation of sweepstakes opportunities, in which there is always something new to bid on or win. To date, golfers have secured extraordinary prizes such as a nine-day golf trip to Northern Ireland, a L.A.B. Golf putter fitting excursion to Oregon, an expenses-paid trip to Carlsbad, Calif. For a full-bag Cobra Golf custom fitting experience, a custom Bettinardi putter set, with more enticing offers – and chances to win – from GolfN’s growing list of Points Exchange partners.
“What we consistently hear from users is this sense of surprise and delight — people winning something or redeeming points for an experience they never thought was within reach. Maybe it’s a new set of wedges, a driver, or even a trip,” Phillips said. “Those moments change how someone relates to the game. It makes it more accessible, more attainable. What resonates with me personally is helping the everyday golfer get closer to the game they love.”
Winner of the recent Cobra Golf Sweepstakes, Tyler Fields was flown from Oklahoma to Southern California to be fit for a full set of Cobra woods, irons, wedges, a putter and golf bag, a monumental upgrade from the used set he purchased when he first took up the game.
His experience can be seen in this video:
“I downloaded GolfN, played a couple rounds. Then I saw they had this Cobra experience on there and I put all the points I had on it. I don’t think I could have even dreamed of having this experience without this sweepstakes,” Fields said.
BANDON BOUND
Just in time for peak golf season, GolfN also recently launched one of its most anticipated sweepstakes to date, the 1st Annual GolfN Invitational at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Sweepstakes in which every round played on the GolfN app through the end of his summer automatically earns users an entry into this exclusive member event at the famed Coastal Oregon Resort, Oct. 21 – 25. Additional rounds increase their chances to win, further incentivizing play and engagement during the game’s busiest months.
Entry into the 1st Annual GolfN Invitational at Bandon Dunes includes:
Four nights in single-occupancy luxury king rooms at the Inn, Lodge, or Round Lake
Rounds at Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, and Bandon Dunes — plus an optional short course round at Bandon Preserve
Welcome dinner, prizes, and tee gifts
“We really strive create special opportunities for GolfN users. Golf is a commitment, both in time and financially, and golfers deserve to be rewarded for that commitment,” Phillips said. “What has really surprised me is the intensity of our members’ engagement. There’s this moment where someone joins, tries it out, and then suddenly accelerates — they’re playing more, logging in more, interacting constantly. Our power users are logging in more than 75 times a month. That’s not normal behavior for a golf app. That’s something deeper and seeing it quantified across thousands of users was incredibly powerful.”
Accessibility remains central to GolfN’s model. The app is free to use, ensuring that any golfer can begin earning immediately. For those seeking to accelerate their rewards, GolfN offers optional membership tiers that provide points multipliers and enhanced earning potential — without compromising the core free experience.
As GolfN continues to scale, its mission remains clear: to make every round more rewarding, every golfer more engaged, and every moment connected to the game more valuable. The app is available to golfers everywhere in Apple and Android versions.
About GolfN
GolfN is the first golf rewards platform designed to reward players for every aspect of their game. Combining a free digital caddie with a robust rewards ecosystem, GolfN enables golfers to earn points both on and off the course, redeemable for premium gear, exclusive experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime trips. With a rapidly growing user base, industry-leading partners, and innovative sweepstakes offerings, GolfN is redefining how golfers play, engage, and win.
Swings, Sips, and Sunsets at the Four Seasons Resort
There are golf trips—and then there are experiences that linger long after the final putt drops. The Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic, set along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, is firmly in the latter category: a seamless blend of world-class golf, elevated cuisine, and coastal luxury that feels equal parts tournament and celebration.
After arrival at Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Vallarta, my 45-minute tequila express ride to Punta Mita, which sits on a 1,500-acre private peninsula, was simply the tip of the taco for what was forthcoming at this 14th annual four-day immersive event. Once entering the gated paradise that seems purpose-built for indulgence, I, for one, was going to have no issue participating while taking refuge for a few nights at the beachside Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.
With a non-stop menu of outdoor activities from sunup to sundown at this five-star resort, including world-class fishing, scuba diving, three pools (including the Lazy River), racquet sports, or the Apuane Spa, the property’s defining recreational pursuit takes place on two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses.
To anyone who’s been around the game, it’s no secret the synergies between food, libations and golf are embedded into sport’s culture and as inseparable as tailgating and football. But when these ingredients are incorporated into four-day extravaganza at a world-class resort, it transforms into the Super Bowl of 19th holes!
Carl Emberson, creator of the Gourmet and Golf Classic, gets the festivities rolling on opening night
In conjunction with a two-day golf tournament, all participants are subjected to a gastronomical heaven with gourmet meals and interactive cooking classes presided over by acclaimed chefs, winemakers and mixologists from around the world highlighting Mexican flavors and global influences. And if that’s not enough, homegrown golf legend, LPGA Hall of Famer Lorena Ochoa, has served as the event’s ambassador since the event’s beginning.
Career hospitality aficionado, Carl Emberson, with a solid restaurant background and having held general manager roles at many high-end luxury hotels throughout Argentina and Brazil, was the catalyst for the Gourmet & Golf when he was the general manager at the St. Regis Punta Mita 15 years ago. Although, he finds it more appropriate to think of himself as a “destination creator.”
Fresh octopus highlighted one of the many flavors at the Gourmet and Golf Classic
“I always like to think outside of the box and create events that attract people to the destination,” says Emberson. “Like any event, the Gourmet & Golf started small with a few great chefs and involved both the Four Seasons and St. Regis and, of course, two great golf courses. Having grown to where the event is today, now we bring in about 20 chefs from around the world with roughly 50% from Mexico. But it’s not just about the food they’re known for but rather how they interact with the guests to make the experience unique. Ultimately, at the end of the day, the principal objective is to showcase Punta Mita.”
At the heart of the Classic are the Jack Nicklaus–designed courses: Pacífico (1999) and Bahía (2009). Both layouts are visually stunning, but Pacífico tends to steal the spotlight thanks to the famous “Tail of the Whale”—the world’s only natural island green. Whereas most all golf courses reserve its 19th hole for libations and storytelling, at the Pacifico layout, Hole 3B, playing 180 yards over the ocean to a tiny lava rock, is the story. The only bummer is, on most days, players are only able to donate a ball off the tee since the rocky cart path to the island green is submerged by several feet of water from the high tides.
“Tail of the Whale”—the world’s only natural island green
The official 18 holes, stretching to just over 7,000 yards, are characterized by wide fairways, generous greens, and constant ocean exposure (8 holes border the ocean), making it both playable and visually spectacular.
Jack Nicklaus–designed courses: Pacífico (1999) and Bahía (2009). Both layouts offer visually stunning views
Where Pacífico feels open and forgiving, Bahía, playing to 7,034 yards, is more textured and cerebral with more undulating fairways and tighter doglegs built across elevation changes. Nicklaus designed it to reward precision, angles, and smart club selection. The course also winds through a different part of Punta Mita than Pacífico as it plays through the grounds of the St. Regis Resort and luxury communities.
You’ll likely see some “local guests” along the way
Regardless of which course is being played, the format of the tournament provides plenty of stations set up at tee boxes where gourmet edibles and beverages are served to keep things social and engaging rather than overly competitive. After all, it might be the golf that draws you in, but the food is what elevates the experience into something unforgettable.
After being voluntarily holed up for a few days at a luxurious playground swinging and feasting around the fairways of life, I offer one bit of advice for future participants: begin the diet and sobriety regimen well in advance. And don’t forget to pack a few doggie bags.
Hello Golf Tips Magazine followers and subscribers,
Get ready for the future of golf! Next week, the industry’s biggest stage, the 2026 PGA Show, kicks off in sunny Orlando. This isn’t just another trade show; it’s a massive showcase of everything that will be making your time on the course more enjoyable, efficient, and innovative in the year ahead.
From groundbreaking new gear that promises to shave strokes off your score to state-of-the-art technology that makes practice more productive, the event is packed with innovations. We’ll be seeing new AI-powered course management systems, detachable GPS handheld speakers, advanced launch monitors from brands like NVISAGE, and ingenious new wearable performance sensors like the BAL. ON smart insoles.
But the 2026 PGA Show is about more than just tech. We’re talking about the latest in golf equipment, including unique putters with convex faces, new club designs, and durable lithium battery solutions for carts. We’ll also dive into golfer performance and fitness options, and explore new software platforms designed to enhance the travel and course experience. What attendee’s can expect to see at this year’s PGA Show.
Featured New Golf Technologies:
MILESEEY GeneSonic Pro: This product is described as the world’s first golf speaker with a detachable GPS handheld that provides accurate, subscription-free yardages on the course without needing a smartphone or mobile signal.
On-Pin Verifeye Enhancements: On-Pin is debuting major advancements to its platform, including an AI-enhanced Pace-of-Play Lifecycle that uses AI and passive RFID tracking to predict and manage course flow and reduce round delays by up to 21 minutes.
Toptracer Go & Toptracer IQ: Toptracer is launching two new products: Toptracer Go, which allows players to scan a QR code in their bay to get instant access to shot data (distance, ball speed, etc.), and Toptracer IQ, a business intelligence platform using AI to help facilities manage data and optimize revenue.
NVISAGE Launch Monitor Lineup: NVISAGE Technologies is presenting its complete lineup of launch monitors, including entry-level and professional-grade models such as the overhead N1 and N2, and the portable NEO-E, all integrating with the MURLIE software for analysis and simulation.
Inrange Skills Lab: This new practice product analyzes a player’s game and suggests drills across five core areas to provide a clearer sense of what to work on and why, turning driving range bays into multi-customer assets.
Trojan Battery Next-Generation Lithium Solutions: Trojan is debuting new 36V and 72V OnePack lithium-ion batteries designed for higher-performance golf cart and utility vehicle applications, offering enhanced safety features and durability.
Myputter: A unique putter from Swiss brand Myvicto, featuring a distinctive convex face designed to reduce skidding and improve distance control and stability.
Club Pilot & Clubhaus Platforms: New club-management software solutions are also featured, with Club Pilot offering a mobile-first platform with an AI concierge, and Clubhaus providing a mobile-first F&B ordering system to smooth pace of play and capture more orders.
AyrSupport Inflatable Club Protection: This innovative system uses an inflatable barrier to protect golf clubs during travel, a solution to a common golfer’s annoyance.
Other Noteworthy Tech Items:
Wearable Performance Technology: Expect to see products like BAL. ON smart insoles, which use pressure plates in your shoes to record and map weight shift data in real time, and the Nike x Hyperice boot, which uses dynamic air compression and heat to warm up feet and ankles for activity.
Club and Grip Sensors: Look out for new SkyGolf GameTraX 360 sensors (SuperTags) that fit into club grips to capture club data and provide 3D swing analysis, and SensorEdge grips that measure exactly how and where you are applying force during a swing.
Rangefinders and GPS: Beyond the GeneSonic Pro, other brands like Bushnell and FlightScope are integrating data, with the Bushnell Tour Hybrid offering both slope-adjusted distances to the pin and front/center/back yardages via an app, and the new Garmin G20 Solar GPS Handheld powered by the sun.
Augmented and Virtual Reality: XR.golf is set to combine AR/VR headset technology with real-ball tracking in products like Putt Dojo, a mixed-reality putting environment that uses precise ball tracking to offer targeted drills for distance control.
Course Management Software: A variety of cloud-based platforms will be on display, including TenFore Golf and foreUp, which offer solutions for point of sale, tee sheets, booking engines, and marketing, and GolfStatus for streamlined tournament management.
Robotic and Automated Equipment: The show will feature innovative solutions for course operations, such as the Roboranger by XeraTech Robotics, an autonomous ball picker for driving ranges designed to cut labor costs.
Golf Carts and Accessories: Look for new electric vehicles and related tech like Evolution Windshields featuring patented Heads-Up Display (HUD) capability and TeeBoxx phone mounts for carts with wireless charging and hi-fi Bluetooth sound.
Performance Apparel: While not a “tech item” in the electronic sense, various brands are featuring apparel made with advanced performance fabrics (e.g., COOLMAX, THERMOLITE, UPF 50+ sun protection) designed for comfort, moisture management, and seasonal versatility.
There’s expected to be a vast amount of additional new equipment at next week’s PGA Show as well. With nearly 100 innovations in the New Product Zone alone, attendees will see product launches from a multitude of brands beyond those previously mentioned, including those in golf Carts, training aids, apparel, and golf course technology.
Clubs and Components:
TaylorMade has launched its new Qi4D family of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and game improvement irons.
Callaway is showcasing its new Quantum range of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons.
Srixon is launching its new game-improvement ZXiR irons.
PING appears set to release a new version of their driver series, the G440.
MacGregor Golf will introduce several new 2026 products, including the Tourney driver and fairway woods, Tour Grind Forged Wedges, and Tony Penna CB/MB irons.
Acey Golf will showcase new customizable wedges designed with computational design and modern manufacturing.
Fine-Tuned is launching new wedges built on their fitting concepts.
JumboMax is introducing a new line of high-quality putter grips for various putting styles.
Wellmxs Grip will present customizable, performance-focused golf grips.
Technology and Accessories:
Zen Golf will unveil four new indoor golf technologies, including an integrated Trackman solution for their moving floor Active Terrain system and the Zen Eye ball tracking and projection system for putting greens.
GOLFJOY is showcasing an expanded portfolio of launch monitors (GDS Pro, Spica 3, Rigel 2/3/3 Pro) and training solutions like the Smart Putting System and a dynamic 3D Stance Hitting Mat.
The Stack System is launching a brand new product at the show to complement their speed training system.
TG Caddies is introducing a next-generation intelligent golf mobility platform combining scooter and trolley functions with AI sensing.
Lithium Rhino is unveiling new golf cart accessories, including a 10″ entertainment screen and AC conversion kits.
RoboRanger by XeraTech Robotics will display an autonomous ball picker for driving ranges.
The SWING FINDER is a new versatile training device to help golfers with swing flaws.
Apparel and Lifestyle:
Adidas Golf will introduce the Ultimate365+ range, featuring technical bottoms with a 360GRIP waistband.
MacGregor and Ben Hogan will have their latest apparel collections on display.
Sunday Golf is launching new golf bags and accessories, including the waterproof Storm Ryder.
Lithium Rhino will also unveil new accessories like LED soundbars and subwoofers for golf carts.
Roll Ready is a new accessory that clips to a golfer’s belt for cleaning their golf ball on the green.
In addition, several companies are introducing new golf balls at the PGA Show, including new lines from major brands like Callaway and specialty brands like Genius.
New Golf Ball Introductions:
Callaway The new 2026 Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft balls are being showcased. They feature a new “Tour Fast Mantle” material designed for increased speed and consistent flight, with specific models catering to different player needs for spin and feel.
XXIO XXIO is introducing the HYPER RD golf ball, which focuses on long, stable flight and a soft feel around the greens, available in multiple color options.
Genius A new, first-of-its-kind “smart” golf ball called Genius is debuting, which has embedded electronics that capture crucial putting data (velocity, launch angle, skid distance, etc.) and deliver it to a smartphone app for analysis. Pre-orders are being taken at the show.
Zero Friction This company is set to unveil the new Victory Tour golf ball as part of its new product lineup at the show.
Ben Hogan Golf The new GS53 premium 4-piece golf ball will be introduced by Ben Hogan Golf at the PGA Show.
Srixon The latest Z-STAR Series golf balls, including the Z-STAR, Z-STAR Diamond, and Z-STAR XV with new Spin Skin+, are listed as new products for the event.
TaylorMade While not officially announced to the public yet, Rory McIlroy has been using TaylorMade’s “next-generation golf ball” in recent tour play, which is expected to be part of the new 2026 releases showcased at the event.
Golf Tips Top 25 Instructor, Michael Wheeler will be on the ground next week bringing you the inside scoop on some of the cool things the industry has in store, including some exclusive interviews. For a more in-depth coverage of some of these amazing new products and trends, make sure to check back throughout the week at golftipsmag.com.
We’ll have everything you need to stay ahead of the game!
California is a top vacation destination for golf enthusiasts being home to several top rated golf courses. With the 2021 US Open returning to California this June, at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, now is the perfect time to take a look at the championship’s history in the region and reminisce some of the most memorable moments.
The US Open Golf Championship, the third of the four major championships in golf, takes place annually (except in 2020 when it was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak), at a different golf course in the country. Without counting this year’s US Open there have been 13 US Opens in California in the past. Golf courses that hosted the championship over the years:
Olympic Club, Lake Course in San Francisco – 1998, 1987, 1966, 1955.
Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades – 1948.
The Pebble Beach Golf Links has been the most popular Californian location so far
The US Open first came to the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links in 1972 and returned five times afterward.
The Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the top rated public golf courses in the country. Tee time here can be quite expensive but at least you can play in the footsteps of legends without being part of the golfing elite. Plus, the course offers some of the most stunning views.
But, before deciding upon Pebble Beach as your next golf vacation destination you should know that this course is not among the easy ones. The great Jack Nicklaus described the course as “playing as close to impossible as it can get” and Jeff Sluman, the 1992 runner-up said about the final round that it was “as much fun as a migraine.”
Two out of the three double eagles in the championship’s history happened in California
There have been only three double eagles in the history of the US Open and two of them happened on a Californian course. The first was achieved by Shaun Micheel on the 6th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links in the fourth round in 2010. The second one was shot by Nick Watney on the 17th hole of the Olympic Club course in the first round in 2012.
The other double eagle was shot all the way back in 1985 by T.C. Chen on the 2nd hole of the Oakland Hills Country Club course.
Tiger Woods won with the widest margin of victory at Pebble Beach
Tiger Woods still holds the record for the widest margin of victory with fifteen strokes. He achieved this record in the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links when he dominated the championship, finishing well clear of the runners-up Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
The Torrey Pines Golf Course was home to Woods most impressive comeback in 2008
Every true golf fan surely remembers the improbable comeback Tiger Woods accomplished at the 2008 US Open when he won against Rocco Mediate in the playoff, with an injured knee that required surgery.
Tiger’s run was a bumpy one as he started out playing his opening hole at seven over par. It may be hard to believe but that is right, he made three double bogeys on the first hole. After the championship’s first day things were not looking too good for Woods who looked like he was going to be no threat for the lead.
But he made a magnificent recovery when coming off a bogey at the 12th hole, Woods proceeded to sink an eagle putt at the 13th hole, a birdie at the 17th hole, then another eagle putt on the 18th hole that surged him into the lead.
This was the most recent US Open playoff and the last of its kind (18-hole) with the change to a two-hole aggregate format in 2018.
Hopefully, the US Open will return strong to the Torrey Pines Golf Course and we will witness even more memorable moments that will live on throughout the ages.
